Auracast will appeal not just to people with hearing loss, but also to the general public. It is a form of Bluetooth technology that works with many devices people use.

Consider this: You are in a noisy sports bar where there are numerous TV sets broadcasting different events. You are only interested in one of those events. Auracast will let you tune in to that one TV broadcast without background noise or interference from other broadcasts. This will work with devices like iPods as well as with personal hearing devices. People with typical hearing will be using this technology right along side of those of us who use hearing technology.

Because this is 'universally usable', it will take hold in a way that telecoils have been unable to. Everyone struggles to hear in noisy places. That will include airports and other places where announcements are made. Telecoils will still be worth having because many places already comply by having loops installed. They will not have to add Auracast.

Meanwhile, it is logical and wise to ask for your hearing aids and cochlear processors to have telecoils AND Auracast included. The latest Cochlear America's N8 processor has both. So do a few hearing aid brands.

It pays to be a knowledgeable consumer with hearing devices just as with any other products we buy. (Think kitchen appliances, cars, etc.) They all offer variables. It is in our best interest to know the right questions to ask when buying them. Audiologists will often tell you they don't tell buyers about all these options because people then think they are trying to sell them something they don't need. Reality is: These options should be demonstrated so people know what they are either getting or giving up when buying.